Q. How should a strike be conducted so that hooliganism and
violence are avoided?
A.
A strike should be spontaneous and not manipulated. If it is
organized without any compulsion there would be no chance for
goondaism and looting. Such a strike would be characterized by
perfect co-operation amongst the strikers. It should be peaceful and
there should be no show of force. The strikers should take up some
work either singly or in co-operation with each other, in order to
earn their bread. The nature of such work should have been thought
out beforehand. It goes without saying that in a peaceful, effective
and firm strike of this character, there will be no room for
rowdyism or looting. I have known of such strikes. I have not
presented a Utopian picture.
New Delhi,
26-5-'46
Harijan, 2-6-1946